Small-scale Test Method Research Articles

Rapid crack propagation in pressurised plastic pipe—II. Critical pressures for polyethylene pipe

A new small-scale test method has been developed for generating steady-state rapid crack propagation in plastic pipe. Using this method, a series of exploratory tests are used to investigate the variation in critical pressure (i.e. the threshold of crack self-arrest) with parameters which are seen to influence it in full-scale tests: temperature, pipe wall thickness, decompression properties of the pressurising medium, and external constraint. Scaling rules relating small- and full-scale results for different diameters are discussed using British Gas full-scale test data, and in the light of thickness effects measured in small-scale tests.

Assessment of Flame Retardant Coated Fabric Flammability by Small Scale Test Methods

Assessment of Flame Retardant Coated Fabric Flammability by Small Scale Test Methods

Observations of Large Scale Turbulence in Corner-Wall Experiments

Abstract It is recognized that small scale test methods are unable to predict the fire growth potential of interior finish materials. This has led to an interest in the use of full scale room fire tests. One of the reasons for the effectiveness of these full scale experiments is their ability to reproduce a turbulence similar to the one expected under actual fire conditions. This paper describes some of the flame morphologies observed in full scale fire experiments, and their origins are ascribed to certain turbulent conditions. The corner placement of the ignition source is shown to produce a more severe exposure to the walls than a side wall exposure. The spread of fire to the ceiling is shown to follow the corner between the two walls, and the subsequent flame spread at the ceiling is in the narrow region at the intersection between the walls and the ceiling, termed in this paper the "T" pattern flame morphology. In cases where the walls and/or the ceiling are combustible, it has been observed that the "T" pattern begins to burn first, and it is only afler this "T" burning is established that the remainder of the ceiling is ignited and begins to burn. A special flame morphology is shown which appears to be important to the flame spread under the ceiling of a compartment. A mechanism is presented lo explain the observed morphology in which a vortex structure originally formed on one wall is interrupted by fluctuations in the buoyant plume at the corner, is captured by the flow on the other wall, and is then swept along with the flow at that wall. The significance of this turbulence is discussed, and it is suggested that it be taken into account when developing compartment fire models.

Modification of the oxygen index test for better evaluation of the relative flammability

Fire and MaterialsVolume 5, Issue 1 p. 39-40 Note to the EditorFree Access Modification of the oxygen index test for better evaluation of the relative flammability P. Ševěček, P. Ševěček University of Mining (UŠB), Ostrava 70833, CzechoslovakiaSearch for more papers by this authorB. Filipi, B. Filipi University of Mining (UŠB), Ostrava 70833, CzechoslovakiaSearch for more papers by this authorI. Zapletalová, I. Zapletalová University of Mining (UŠB), Ostrava 70833, CzechoslovakiaSearch for more papers by this author P. Ševěček, P. Ševěček University of Mining (UŠB), Ostrava 70833, CzechoslovakiaSearch for more papers by this authorB. Filipi, B. Filipi University of Mining (UŠB), Ostrava 70833, CzechoslovakiaSearch for more papers by this authorI. Zapletalová, I. Zapletalová University of Mining (UŠB), Ostrava 70833, CzechoslovakiaSearch for more papers by this author First published: March 1981 https://doi.org/10.1002/fam.810050107Citations: 7AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. References 1 D. E. Stuetz, B. P. Barnes, A. H. Di Edwardo and F. Zitomer, Polymer Flammability, University of Utah Flammability Conference (June 1970). 2 A. H. Di Edwardo et al. Correlation of Polymer Fuel composition with Burning and Non-Burning Conditions. Conference Series on Flammability Characteristics of Materials, University of Utah (1972). 3 G G. Arcand and W. J. Vullo, Text. Res. J. 42, 328 (1972). 4 R. M. Murch, New Small Scale Test Method for Cellular Plastics International Symposium on Fire Safety and Combustible Matter, University of Edinburgh, p. 333 (October 1975). Citing Literature Volume5, Issue1March 1981Pages 39-40 ReferencesRelatedInformation